Animated short film ‘Harry and Barry’

Ambassadors studio created animated short film ‘Harry and Barry. The Nationale Postcode Loterij collaborated with Ambassadors for this short film. The direct collaboration between the Nationale Postcode Loterij and Ambassadors ignited such a creative flow it extended the plans. “While working on this project the love for it grew within the minute. So we decided to create more than a short film about Harry and Barry. We felt like extending their world so everyone could enjoy the joy and fun of their street”, explains Vincent Lammers, Creative Director and Partner at Ambassadors. “Next to the 3,5 minute film the Nationale Postcode Loterij is launching a website and social campaign, which is filled with lots of extra content about the lives of Harry & Barry.”

“It was important for us to emphasise that the lottery is more than giving away money” explains Rengin Tümer, Visualizer at the Nationale Postcode Loterij. “Harry and Barry grew from the idea that the Nationale Postcode Loterij is a lot more than just giving away money. A prize can bring people closer and create a unity in the neighbourhood. Just look at the winners in a Dutch Frisian town who started a fund with their winning money for everyone who didn’t buy a ticket. These social aspects are the base of the Harry & Barry film.”

Making of animated short film ‘Harry and Barry’

Very unique styles

Harry and Barry are unique characters with mannerisms everyone can relate to. “We wanted to get every little detail just right” illustrates Nick Groeneveld, Associate Design & Animation Director. “To really stand in a birdwatcher’s shoes we endlessly read all kinds of books on birds. We almost decided to go birdwatching ourselves! With the same level of devotion Harry and Barry have in making the perfect shot of the kingfisher, we started on these characters. That passion shimmers through in every detail of the film. Harry even has a kingfisher print on his shirt! I’m very glad that the joy we had in creating these characters definitely shines through in the humorous tone of the film.”

“The team was very excited to create this CG look with a whole world around it, like an animated feature film. All the characters have a very tangible feeling because of the subtle structures and shading of their skin, hair and clothing” explains Will Jeffers, Head of 3D. “Don’t miss the little movement of the hair and clothing! For every environment, coffee pot, clock, curtain or little bird we kept the same level of precision in shading, which was definitely a challenge with 17 characters, 5 big environments and around 100 shots.”

This human touch is even more underlined in the grading, as Koert van der Ploeg, Colourist, explains. “The grading really tied the storyline all together, creating a cinematic and authentic feel. Together with Nick, we looked at adding more depth to the film and emphasising a personal touch. Making Barry’s environment a bit warmer and the hospital scene a bit colder, for example.”